SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Military Department has appointed Forest Grove native Lt. Col. Robert J. "Jim". Gregory as the Deputy Director of Human Resources for the Oregon Military Department.

Colonel Gregory relinquished command of the Combat Operations Group to Lt. Col. Gregor Leist in a ceremony in Salem Saturday in order to free him up for the position. The colonel says he is ready for the new challenge.

"I've met the staff and I'm thoroughly impressed with their dedication and professionalism," said Lt. Col. Gregory. "I look forward to growing into this new position and learning the heart of the personnel function."

In his new position he will assist the director in managing personnel issues for more than 2,000 federal employees working in the Oregon National Guard.

Colonel Gregory has served in operational positions throughout his 27 year career in the National Guard, and he has high regard for the people with whom he has served.

"It has been a highlight of my military career knowing these Airmen," said Lt. Col. Gregory. "I appreciate their competence, confidence, courage and commitment."

He is a 1981 graduate of Forest Grove High School and a 1986 Graduate of Portland State University. He earned his commission in 1989.

The colonel has deployed in support of Counter Narcotics missions in Colombia and the Dominican Republic. He also deployed in support of Operation Deliberate Guard to Vieste, Italy where he controlled fighter and tanker aircraft operating in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo

After the terror attacks on 9-11 he spent two years on active duty in support of Operation Noble Eagle. From late 2006 to early 2007 he deployed to Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The colonel has also supported domestic operations, including support to Northwest Oregon communities after the Winter Gale of 2007 and support to the citizens of Galveston, Texas in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.